Criminal Justice

in committee · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 2343: Sentencing - As introduced, establishes parole criteria for certain persons convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to imprisonment for life; specifies that if a person is convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to imprisonment for life, then the sentence must automatically expire after the person has served 40 years. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 13 and Title 40, Chapter 35.

SB 2343 changes parole rules for individuals convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life imprisonment between July 1, 1995, and June 30, 2020. It establishes a minimum 25-year sentence before parole eligibility, with up to 35 years reduced through specific criteria: 10 years for 10 years without violent misconduct, 10 years for 10 years drug-free, 10 years for completing an accredited degree, and 5 years for finishing required correctional programs. If parole criteria aren't met, the sentence automatically expires after 40 years of incarceration. The bill applies retroactively to eligible inmates already serving life sentences as of July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes rehabilitation incentives (education, drug-free, programs) for parole eligibility, reducing mandatory life sentences. Aligns with reform goals of reducing recidivism through rehabilitation-focused sentencing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 2183: Elder Abuse - As introduced, extends from 10 to 20 days, the time within which a court must schedule a hearing on a petition to freeze the funds of a criminal defendant charged with financial exploitation of an elderly or vulnerable adult involving the taking more than $5,000 of property while the criminal proceeding is pending for purposes of restitution to the victim. - Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 15.

HB 2183 extends the deadline for courts to schedule hearings on motions to freeze a criminal defendant's funds in cases involving financial exploitation of elderly or vulnerable adults. The bill changes the timeframe from 10 to 20 days after a motion is filed, specifically for cases where the defendant took over $5,000 in property. This applies to criminal proceedings pending restitution for victims, giving courts more time to act before the hearing. The change directly affects courts handling these elder abuse cases and aims to streamline the process for returning assets to victims. The bill amends Tennessee Code Section 39-15-502(c)(4) and is pending legislative action.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExtends court deadline for victim restitution in elder financial exploitation cases, ensuring timely recovery of funds for victims, aligning with victim protection in criminal justice reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Victims' Rights

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in committee · Tennessee · House May 5, 2026

HB 2452: Expunction - As enacted, permits a court to expunge certain violent offenses for which a person has been pardoned; requires the court to consider, in weighing the best interests of justice and public safety, whether the offense sought to be expunged was violent and any other relevant factors presented by the petitioner and the district attorney general. - Amends TCA Title 40.

HB 2452 allows courts to clear certain violent criminal records from public view after a person receives a pardon. It directly affects individuals who were pardoned for violent offenses that previously could not be expunged under Tennessee law. The bill requires courts to weigh public safety and consider whether the offense was violent (including murder, aggravated kidnapping, or sexual offenses involving minors), along with other factors from both the petitioner and prosecutors. This changes prior rules that blocked expungement of violent offenses even after a pardon. The bill modifies Tennessee Code Annotated Title 40 to enable this process while maintaining safeguards for public safety.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables expungement of pardoned violent offenses, aiding reintegration and aligning with criminal justice reform goals to reduce recidivism.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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failed · Tennessee · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 2289: Tennessee Bureau of Investigation - As introduced, enacts the "Federal Enforcement Accountability and Community Protection Act." - Amends TCA Title 8; Title 38 and Title 50.

SB 2289, the "Federal Enforcement Accountability and Community Protection Act," requires Tennessee state and local law enforcement to notify the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) within 24 hours of any federal enforcement action resulting in death or serious injury ("critical incident"). The TBI must then conduct an independent review assessing foreseeability, de-escalation, and state resource involvement, publishing findings publicly within 90 days. The bill prohibits state agencies from providing non-emergency resources to federal agencies during such incidents until the review is complete, while allowing emergency assistance or legally required cooperation. It also explicitly protects bystanders from detention or questioning solely for being present, observing, or traveling near enforcement actions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates independent TBI review of federal enforcement critical incidents, enhancing accountability per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 2587: County Government - As introduced, creates a supplemental pay incentive program for local correctional officers who receive 40 hours or more of in-service training per calendar year. - Amends TCA Title 38, Chapter 8, Part 1 and Title 41.

SB 2587 creates a $800 annual cash bonus for local Tennessee correctional officers who complete at least 40 hours of approved in-service training each year. The bill directly affects full-time, certified correctional officers (like jailers or deputies) employed by counties, provided they have completed 8+ months of service and the training meets specific criteria. Key provisions require counties to use the funds solely as a bonus - never to replace regular pay or salary increases - and exclude support staff or officers with dual certifications. The bonus is not counted toward future pay increases or retirement calculations, and funds are only available if specifically appropriated by the legislature. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds $800 annual bonus for correctional officers completing 40+ hours in-service training, directly supporting staff competency and facility operations within corrections.90% confidence

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in committee · Tennessee · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 2436: Law Enforcement - As introduced, requires a law enforcement agency that uses body cameras to adopt a written policy for the use of the cameras by its law enforcement officers; establishes certain requirements for the policies. - Amends TCA Title 38, Chapter 1.

HB 2436 requires Tennessee law enforcement agencies using body cameras to create written policies governing their use. These policies must cover when officers must activate cameras (e.g., during calls for service or public encounters), how to handle privacy-sensitive situations (like domestic violence victims or anonymous crime reports), and mandate officer training. The bill prohibits using cameras to record First Amendment activities or unrelated incidents, and requires officers to notify people being recorded when possible. It directly affects all Tennessee law enforcement agencies and officers who use body cameras.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires body camera policies with accountability measures, privacy protections, and training to enhance officer transparency and civil rights compliance in law enforcement.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · Tennessee · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SB 2169: Public Defenders - As introduced, creates five additional social worker positions in the public defender system. - Amends TCA Title 8, Chapter 14 and Title 9, Chapter 4.

SB 2169 creates five new social worker positions within Tennessee's public defender offices, effective July 1, 2026. These positions will directly support public defender systems statewide by adding social work resources to assist clients, particularly those with mental health or social service needs. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 8, Chapter 14, and Title 9, Chapter 4, to formalize these staffing changes without altering legal procedures or case outcomes. It focuses solely on expanding support staff capacity within existing public defense services.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAdds social worker positions to public defender system to assist clients with mental health/social needs, enhancing defendant support and rehabilitation resources within criminal justice framework.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAdds social workers to address mental health needs within public defender system, directly supporting mental health services per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health

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in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 4, 2026

HJR 847: General Assembly, Statement of Intent or Position - Affirms the importance of religious liberty protections for incarcerated individuals under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA) and recognizes the contributions of Prison Fellowship. -

HJR 847 is a symbolic resolution affirming Tennessee's support for religious liberty protections for incarcerated individuals under the federal RLUIPA law. It recognizes Prison Fellowship's 50-year work in supporting faith-based rehabilitation programs in prisons, including its "Prison Fellowship Grow" program at the Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center. The resolution encourages Tennessee correctional agencies to maintain policies aligned with RLUIPA, which ensures incarcerated people can practice their religion without unnecessary restrictions, and commends Prison Fellowship's role in reducing recidivism through faith-based initiatives. It does not create new laws or alter existing policies.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAffirms religious liberty protections for incarcerated individuals under RLUIPA, supports Prison Fellowship's faith-based rehabilitation programs, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to improve rehabilitation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · Tennessee · House Mar 23, 2026

HB 2144: Courts, Administrative Office of the - As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Court Appearance Reminder Program Act." - Amends TCA Title 16 and Title 40.

HB 2144 establishes Tennessee's "Court Appearance Reminder Program Act," creating a statewide system to send automated reminders to defendants about upcoming court dates in criminal and traffic cases where they are not in custody. The program, administered by the Administrative Office of the Courts, automatically enrolls defendants who provide contact information (text as default) and sends at least three reminders before each court appearance, including one the day prior, with clear details on date, time, location, and consequences of missing. It is free for defendants, offers multilingual options, and includes virtual appearance links when applicable, while prohibiting the use of contact information for criminal investigations or bail decisions. The bill aims to reduce missed court appearances, lower unnecessary arrests and jail admissions, and improve judicial efficiency by addressing logistical barriers rather than altering penalties.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAutomated court reminders reduce missed appearances, preventing unnecessary warrants/incarceration and aligning with reform goals to improve court efficiency and defendant compliance.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts

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in committee · Tennessee · House Feb 5, 2026

HB 2099: Evidence - As introduced, adds a rebuttable presumption that the criteria for a child victim to testify by two-way closed circuit television in a criminal matter involving certain offenses are met if the child is under 13 years of age. - Amends TCA Title 24, Chapter 7 and Title 39.

HB 2099 would change Tennessee law to automatically allow children under 13 to testify via two-way video link (instead of in person) in certain criminal cases involving child victims. This creates a rebuttable presumption that such children would suffer significant trauma from facing the defendant, meaning courts must assume the criteria for video testimony are met unless the defendant proves otherwise. The bill also requires judges to confirm that using video testimony won’t unfairly harm the defendant’s right to a fair trial. This applies specifically to cases involving certain offenses against child victims under 13.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects child victims by presuming video testimony to reduce trauma, advancing victim-centered court procedures in criminal justice reform.95% confidence

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